More than 1600 North East homes supported by new energy advice service

Since launching in spring 2024, Home Energy Advice North East has supported 1,643 residents across the region with free, tailored advice on how to save money and carbon emissions through home upgrades, from draught-proofing and insulation to low carbon heating and solar panels. This includes more than 800 people who have utilised the service's home visit option. In Sunderland City, 200 households have been supported by the service so far.

Commissioned by the North East Combined Authority and delivered by the experts at Energy Saving Trust, the Home Energy Advice North East service is funded with just under £2 million from the UK Government. The service is dedicated to addressing the high proportion of poorly insulated and rural, off-grid homes in the region.

Funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero enables Energy Saving Trust's partners at Groundwork North East and Cumbria and Community Action Northumberland to engage directly with residents at community events and through home visits, providing impartial and personalised advice. In this first year, 834 home visits have been made, including 139 households in Sunderland City.

Susan and Kevin from Northumberland received in-home energy advice through Home Energy Advice North East. As a result, they are improving their home's energy efficiency with loft insulation, draught proofing and solar panel installation. They are also considering installing an air source heat pump. Susan said, "We were so grateful to receive free, independent and helpful advice about our home. It can be difficult to know where to start, but our advisor was so helpful. This is an amazing service."

The service has also provided 370 households with a free, personalised home energy improvement plan through its Homewise tool. By completing a simple online survey, residents can receive a personalised action plan tailored to their needs and budget in minutes, with a breakdown of costs and savings. Until 31 March, anyone who registers with Homewise through the Home Energy Advice North East website is automatically entered into a prize draw to win £200 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, portfolio holder for housing and land at the North East Combined Authority and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said: "I am thrilled so many North East homes have benefited from the service so far. We know that our region is home to higher numbers of older, colder properties and this is something we are always looking for ways to support our families with. If you could do with some support on your energy bills, get in touch with us and see what you could be eligible for."

For more information, visit www.EnergyAdviceNorthEast.co.uk or call Home Energy Advice North East on 0808 175 9345.